Airship



April 3, 1928.

| w. MAMMEN AIRSHIP Filed Aug.2e, 19625 5 Sheets-Sheet l ormey April 3, 1928. l 1,664,565 X L. w. MAMMEN I i AIRSHIP Filed Aug.26, 1925 5 Shepts-Sheet 2 April 3, 192s. 1,664,565 A L. w. MAMMEN AIRSHIP l F1166 Aug. 26, 1925 5 sheets-sheet 3 w'fjafm April 3, 1928. f 1,664,565

L. w. MAMMEN 5 AIRsHIP Filed Aug. 2e, 1925 s sheets-fsm@ 4 mio/Tij.

April s, 192s.

L. W. MAMMEN AIRSHIP Filed Aug.26,v 1925 Patented Apr. 3, 1928. i M v UNITED STATI-:s PATENT. OFFICE.

Lewniinon winni/Iman, or cnroaearrmmors. Y AInsHIP. Y application fiierdaagust 26, 1925i serial 110.752,553.'

My invention relates to a dirigible air Ship -tially on the line -U5 of Figure 3 looking 55 and has for its object the provision of a `in the direction ofthe arrows. y o construction formed so as to automatically Figure 6 is a vertical sectional view assist the lifting medium or gas in raising taken on 'the offset line 6 6 of Figure 3 5 the ship to the desired altitude; whileat the looking in the direction of the arrows. Y'

Sametime providing -a construction which Figurek 7 is a detail sectional View taken 60 will enable easy descent and alighting to be on the line 7 7 of Figure 6. nmdg y y. Figure 8 is a detail sectional view of the One object of the invention is to provide adjustable wingl mounted on the deck ofthe 10 a construction adapted to withstand the air shipA enormous strains resulting from the high -Figure 9 is a schematic elevation of that 65 speed motors7 the cargo or weight carried portion of the air ship beneath the gas tanks and those resulting from the continuous landor receptacles. ings and upward pulls exerted when the ship Figure l0 is a perspective view of a porascends; the invention involving a frame tion of 'theskeleton or frame of the air ship;

construction which will be comparatively parts of the frame members being. broken 70 light while at the same time possessing the away and illustrating merely one end, as for necessary strength and rigidity; being so example the forward end of the air ship. formed that all strains and stresses will be Figure l1 is asectional plan of the bottransmitted to the trussed keel of the-ship. ytom of. the air ship.v .f A nothey- Object 0f my invention -S t0 pl'O- Figure lS afdellll SeCtlOl'lLl- Vile-W taken 75 vide a construction which is so formed as to on the *line 12- 12 of Figure 11. involve the principle of a parachute and Figure 13 is adetail sectional view taken which therefore will :permit landings t0 be at right angles to Figure l2. f made ina more orV less perpendicular or ve-r- My limproved air ship .contemplates a v tical direction so as to relieve the ship from frame construction whereby fall portions of 8o. lthe usual jars and strains encountered in the air.l ship proper will besupported from landing. The parachute portion of the ship theleenforced keel of theship; the hull involves controllable means whereby the framework involving a specific construcparachute effect or air resisting portion may tiony whereby a plurality of compartments kbe `affected or manipulated sol as to alter orspaces are provided, accessible from the resistance to the aircurrents and thus place deck of the ship by means of hatchvvays; the air ship entirely within the control of while the' respective compartments permit thepilotfV I p. i. passage from one to the other by means of The object Vand advantages o my .imsuitable closures. proved air ship will be more readily com- The framework consists of a lsuitable meprehended and understood fromthe ollowtallicy keel 20, bowedv to provide a ship-like ing detailed description of thejdrawings, hull adapted to float on water and reenforcedY wherein: l Y with a truss 2l extending substantially 4U Figure l is a perspective view` of my imthroughout the length ofi the keelas shown proved air ship; with a portion of the outer .in Figures 3 andv l0. The truss involves 95 covering or roofbroken away and shown inv the struts or brace members 22 adjacent to section.` y the endsv and the diagonally disposed struts Figure 2 is a horizontal*sectional plan Q8 suitably connected at the ends to the keel i i5 through the parachute portion thereof,y proper which constitutes the chord oi' the namely the portion ofthe .ship above thegas truss, thereby providing a rigid structure chambers. .Y J- iulaptcd to withstandstrains and stresses. Figure 3 is a vertical sectional vview taken order that the .frame may -be conapproximately along the .longitudinal censtructed of con'iparatiirelyV light. metal, I .6U ter line of'the air ship. prefer Ato construct the keel proper in the vFigure 4 is a horizontal sectional vieW. orm of an I-beam as shown at Qilin Fig- 105 taken substantially on the line r--iofFigures V12 andl; the web or intermediate nre 3 looking in thedirection of the arrows. portionk thereof,v at spaced intervals, being Figure .5 is a similar Vview taken siilostan provided with slots adapted. to. receive the laterally disposed i'ib members 25. The rib members 25, which are also formed out of comparatively light metal, for the purpose of strength, are in the nature of inverted T-irons, as clearly shown in Figure 13 and pass through the corresponding slots formed in the web of the keel. portions or laterally disposed flanges of the ribs are riveted or otherwise suitably secured to the lower side flanges of the keel I-beam as shown at 26'in Figures l2 and 13. The ribs are bowed, as shown in Figure l0, so as to provide a suitable bottom for the air ship and these ribs are preferably formed to extend continuously about the air ship, with certa-in of the ribs constituting the supporting frame for the deck floor, namely the ribs 25a, see Figure l0; while the ribs 25 constitute a support for the ceiling of the deck and therefore a vsupport for thebottom ofthe gas chamber holding compartment; 'while some of the ribs are formed to extend over this gas chamber holding coinpartment, namely the ribs indicated at 25C in Figure 10; a fourth set being formedto provide support for the roof or parachute, namely the ribs 25d; and a fifth portion or set of the ribs are formed to extend across the outside of the roof, namelythe ribs indicated at 25e in Figures l and 10. That is to say, the ribs are alternately formed of different lengths so as to constitute the various portions just described, whereby all support and pulling strains are transmitted to the keel proper.

The portions of the ribs for supporting the ceiling, namely the ribs designated at 25h, are also `connected with a longitudinally disposed beam 27 extending full length and at the longitudinal center line of the ship. The ends of the longitudinal beam 27 are connected with the ends of side frame members or ribs 28, which are bowed outwardly intermediatexof the ends. where the ribs 25 are connected thereto. This ceiling frame, composed of ribs 25, longitudinal rib 27 and the two side bowed ribs 28, is also supported from the keel by the vertical members or posts 29.

The frame of the ship alsov consists ofthe outwardly bowed side rails 30 to provide the K desired shape or contour to the ship; the

side rails 3() being secured at their ends to the upwardly curved ends of the keel; and

the bottom 'frame portion of the ship also consists of the longitudinally disposedbottom rails 3l arranged in spaced relation with their ends preferably connectedy at the junci ture of the keel and side rails.

All of the rails are preferably formed Vof comparatively light metal and T-shape in cross section so as to have the necessaryk strength; the rails and ribs being bent by heat treatment, while the ends of lthe ribsV are preferably welded together to provide a The inverted head.

'deck of the ship; the hatchways beim continuous one piece structure. rlhe ribs are arranged and connected `asdescribed with the fiat surfaces or head portions disposed outwardly so as to provide a flat surface or support for the sheet cover material. To afford proper support for the deck I show the lower portion of the frame, namely Vat a point below the 'main floor or deck of the ship, provided with arcuate braces 32, preferably also of T-shaped metal, see Figures 10 and 1l, extending from points adjacent to the forward and rearward ends of the ship and bowed toward the truss 2l to which the intermediate portions are riveted or otherwise secured. y

rlhe air ship involves the-hatch and lading receiving lower portion indicated generally at A in Figure 3, in which the engine or inotors are also located; the deck portion indicated generally at B; the gas tank or chamber compartment or portion indicated at C; and the air chamber or portion indicated at D. It will be understood,rof course, that the youtercovering or walls may be of any suit-A able water resisting material and suitablysecured to the frame members. `The hatch or lower chamber A of `the air ship is also shown provided withvsuitable tie rodsor wires at 33 and this chamber or portion A at the ends is provided with suitable supporting frame .members connected to the keel truss, to which the high speed motors generally indicated at 3ft-in Figures 3 and 5 are secured. The motorsy drive the propellers shown at 35' andl provide power for loperating and controlling the wings and other elements to be described and the` motors are, of course, under the-control of theoperator fromthe pilotshouse or chamber 3G located at the forward end of the air shipin the deck con'ipartinent or portion. I Y Y The hatch A at suitablyspaced intervals is preferably provided with partitions as at 37 to divide the hatch into a series of suitable chambers for the purpose of holding the lading in` its predistributed` manner so as to properly distribute the weight throughout the ship and maintain its equilibrium. The partitions 87y are preferably formed of heavy wire for the purpose of lightness; and the lading holding chambers are disposed on opposite sides of the Vlongitudinal center line of the air-shipiand accessible by hatch-r ways indicated at 38 in Figure. (i, from the g provided with` ladders 39.

The deck portion B of the air ship is formed by the ribs 25d to whose flat upper surfaces suitable Vplate or sheet material is secured; the deck being formed to provide acontinuous open ended passage from front to rear of the ship; the forward end of the passage opening onv opposite sides of the pilot house 36. This arrangement provides an air passage all the way through the ship CTI from the front `to rear. The air ship o n opposite sides of the lonGitudi-nal center line is shown provided with suitable cabins or state-rooms as shown at 4() inFigure'S, at the rear or stern end of the ship and located in the spacing indicated at40 in Figure 4.l The side Wallsof the air ship' extend a distance forward of the state-rooms 40, namely to the point indicated at 4l in Figure 4, thus leaving openings on opposite sides of the pilot house 36 communicating with or constituting a portion of the continuous opening through the air ship; the airV pas-A sage converging toward the rear end as shown in Figure 4. rlhis permits rair to rush through the passageway andfout througli'tlie rear end, discharging on opposite sides of the rudder indicated at 42 .in F igures 3 and4.

The ceiling of thedeck portion B, at a point just forward of the state-room chainbers, namely at a point substantially onethird of the distance between the bow and stern, is given an upward .bulge or arcuate formation as shown at 43 in Figure 3 to provide an air pocket above the main pai't of the air passage. This pocket at 43 acts as a vacuum chamber when the air rushes through the passage Way and tends to assist in the lifting of thevair ship. p

The portion of the air passage in vertical alignment With the vacuum pocket 43 is shown provided with a suitable number of Wings or planes 44 arranged one above thek other, as for example three, extending, preferably, `entirely across the deck and two upper Wings rigidly .secured `in placejthe planes being bent downwardly toward the rear end at the regulation or proper angle as shown in Figure 3 in order that the air rushing inwardly through the forward end of the air passage when encountering the Wings 44 Will assist in lifting the ship. i

The ends of the upper Wings mayV be. se-

cured to two ofthe vribs of the framevvork and supported" or braced in any `'suitable manner at intermediate points by means of the rods 44a, see Figure 6, secured tothe truss-Work below the deck so that the lifting strain may be transferred to. the keelland main framework'. Y y i The lower Wing 44h is not fastened at its ends to the ribs of the ship, but has its forjward edge liingedly secured in any suitable manner-as at 44c in order to perinit'this ning to be tilted to varying degrees downwardly. The purpose of so mounting the- Y lower ving is to offer greater resistance to `the Wind pressure through the deck passage, andthus assist in elevating the ship, Without the necessity for Aa long glide along the ground. At the `same time, it is apparent that a downward tilt of the Wing `When alighting Wil-lalso tend to provide aquick stop, Without employing the `parachute portion of the ship, (later to be described) for av vertical descent.

intervening air passages 46, see Figure 3.

These passages' 46 extend from the air pas-v sage through the shipy to the air chamber 47 immediately beneath. the roof 48 of the ship. The chamberv47 extends through'outA the entire upper portion of the airv ship from end to end and side to side as shown to forni a parachute portion. The gas chainvbers `or tanks rwhich located on the ceiling are secured in place against any movement or shifting and are also held in place bythe supporting ribsd,` which extend across the tops of the tanks and the tanks are shaped tok conform to the upper portion of the ship adapted to'oifer'aslittle resistance as possible. Filling cocks for the tanks may extend through the ceiling of the ship so as to be easilyr accessible. p

:The ceiling portion of the deck at points in` alignment with the vertically disposed air passages 46, as Well las the vacuum chamber portion are provided With series of openings as at 497see Figures 2 and 3, in the nature of ventilatorsv or air-tight closures. These ventilators are preferably all operatively connected together, see Figure 2, so that any one or all of the series of ventilators 49 mayV be Ysimultaneously opened'l or' closed by suitotherwise operated.

The roof 48 of suitable light metal sheeting'overhangs the sides of the air ship and connects with an extendedportion of the ceiling and Vthus extends theV parachute portion 47beyond the sides of the main portion of the air ship as shown at 5() in Figures l.

and 2. This overhanging portion-of 'the chamber 47 kis provided with a -nu'mber of ventilators in vthe bottoni as lshovvn at 5l in Figures 1 and Q disposed throughout the lower part of the over-hanging portion vof the air chamber 47. The ventilators 5l may have slidably mounted closure members all operatively connected together by means of a suitable cable or chain as at`52 so that simultaneous operation of the ventilatorsy may be `had from a- Icommon point. VThe aber? the ai? Shir; the leverend of the tie' wires being suitably connected to the lower ,or deck framework vof the air ship.

The roof 48 at suitable intervals is shown provided with a number of vents as at 54l whereby air may gradually be permitted to escape from the parachute portion 47.

The air ship may be .provided with any suitable number of propellers 35 both forward and aft; and the air ship at suitable points is shown provided with side wings or planes 55 of suitable construction and size, and preferably hingedly inounted'as at 56, see Figures l and 6, so as to permit the wings 55 to fold upwardly against the sides of the air ship. The pivotal point or hinge for the wings may be slidable on the bracket members 57 secured rigidly to the sidesof the air ship.

The pivoted inner edge of each wing 55 may be controlled by means of a chain or cabler 58 the ends whereof are secured to the wing or 'to its hinge connection; the chain in turn passing about the upper and lower pulleys 59 and 60 and about a suitable windlass as at 6l. rhe windlasses 6l at both sides of the ship may be operated by any suitable mechanism and preferably by means controlled from the pilot-house so that the wings may be separately operated or kbot-li wings operated in unison. Vith the cables wound on the windlasses in one direction, the pivoted ends of the wings will be drawn down on the guide or bracket-mem-V bers 57 and held in place when the windlasses are locked against rotation; and the.

outer ends of the wings are maintained in place by means of the brace rods or arms 62, y which are liingedly secured to the wings andv to the sides of the ship.

The air ship is also shown provided at the forward or bow end of the ship with additional wings or planes as at 63, see Figure l, preferably arranged at a point in alignment with the ceiling of the deck and therefore just above the air passage through the air ship; while the rear or sternv end of the ship is also yshown' provided with wings 64 one above the other, preferably arranged in pairs on each 'side of the rudder 42. AThe wings of each pair are supported by any suitable frame, as at 65, with the frames of both pairs provided 'with an operating'V rod GG which will permit simultaneous warping or inclination of the wings 64; the operating rod 66 being' controllable from the pilot house by any suitable operating mechanism not shown. v n The movable wing 44h located on the deck l may be controlled by any suitable mechanism controllable from the pilot-house, as for eX- ample by means of a chain or cable 67 secured to the rear lower edge, (see Figure 8) y and a chain or cable 68 secured to the upper rear edge; the cables in turn passingV about properly supported pulleys G9, above and belThe two elevating planes 63 at Vthe for-r ward end, like the planes 64 at the rear end,

are hingedly secured in place and all of the planes or wings are preferably operatively connected by suitable operating mechanism, not shown, so as to permit simultaneous operation from the pilot-house.

The hull of the ship is shown provided with closable port-holes 71; and the bottom is preferably provided'with suitable yieldably mounted skids 72, see Figures 3 and 6. l/Jliile my air ship is especially designed to alight on and ascend from water, the skids held by means of sprint3 ingon a flat surface such as ice.

The upwardly bent portion 43 of the ceiling provides a vacuum, or semivacuum, as the air rushes through the passageway, which it isbelieved will assist in ascending. The upper part of this pocket 43,*like vother portions of the ceiling, is provided with the controllable ventilators 49. These ventila- Vtors are opened up so asto permit air to enter the chamber or compartment C above the ceiling and thus bring the parachute portion of the ship into play when descent in a perpendicular manner is desired; the parachute portion being provided as a means of safety to permit a {J-Jraduall descent to be made. The vents 54. in the roof or top ofthe ship retard the outiiow as these vents have relatively small openings for airescape.

The outside thin metallic covering of the example shown at T3 in Figure l the canvas being provided with stiii'eningslats or rods whose ends may ride in suitable grooves above and. beneath the curtain; the free ends of the curtains toy be fastened in any suitable niannersoas to maintain them in passage closing position when desired.

ment of the invention as disclosed in the drawings may be modiiied, as for example the number of wings mounted on the deck in the air .passageway maybe changed 5 VVthe irs will permit landi It is apparent that the specific embodi-V hull portion extending above ythe deck and;

out, however, departing from the spirit ofl portion provided with adeck, side wallsand a ceiling or top for the deck, the walls being :tormedto provide an air passage 'romend to end of the ship, an offset or pocket formed in the ceiling intermediate of the ends of the passage to constitute a vacuum chamber.

2. n air ship, comprising a' hull portion provided'with a deck, the side walls of vthe supporting a ceiling or covering for said deck, the fore and att portions ot the .ship

above the deck and beneath the ceiling being 1 open .to provide an-air passagelengthwisey of the ship, with' the ceiling or coveringat a .point intermediate of the lfront,V and rear provided lwith an upward bulge extending transversely of the ship toprovide a vacuum chamber communicating with said' airv passage. y l

- 3. An air ship, comprising a hull portion provided .with a deck, the side walls' of the hull portion extending above the deck and supporting a ceiling or covering, the fore and aft portions of the ship. above the deck and beneath the ceiling beingy opento Yprovide an air passage lengthwise of the ship, with the ceiling or covering at a point intermediate of the iront andv rear .provided with an upward bulge extending transversely of the ship to provide a vacuum chamber com-V municating with said air passage, andv rearwardly declining wings arrange-dy in said air passage.- i

4'. An air` ship, comprising avhull portion provided with a deck, .the side walls of the hull portionrextending above thedeck and supporting .a ceiling or covering for said deck, the tore and aiterportions of theship.

above the deck and beneath the ceiling being open to provide an air .passage lengthwise through the ship, propellers arranged at ther bow and at the stern of vth-e shi'p,and a laterally movable rudder or 'vertically disposed wing arranged at the stern ot the ship in alignmentwith said air passage. A

An air ship, comprising a hull portion lprovided with a deck, the side walls yof the hull portion extending above the deck and supporting a ceiling or covering, the fore and aft' portions of the and beneath the ceiling being open tov pro-y vide an air passage lengthwise of the ship, the ceilingor covering ata pointintermediate of the liront. and rear beingpr'ovide'd with an upward bulge extending transversely of the ship to provide avacuum chamber communicating with said air passage, and a-plu'- rality of rearwardly declining wings spacedship above the deckv keel having transverse slots therethrough',

and ribs disposedA transversely through said slots, the keel andribs adjacent to the slots kbeing rigidly secured together'.

QT. In an air ship, a framei comprising a keel consisting of an-Lbeam having transverse slots through the web portion thereof,

and transversely disposed ribs,'T-'sh'ape in cross section, extending through the slots in the keel and vrigidly securedvthereto.

8. In an air ship, a .trame comprisingia keelv consisting of an I-beam having transverse slots throughthe vweb portion thereof, and transversely disposed ribs, T-shape in cross section, disposed. through the 'slots `in the keel and rigidly secured thereto,.tlie ribs. consisting 'of continuous single piece-'meinbers to lp rovide a portion of lthe hull'and deck supporting Vmembers .ektending continuously abouttheship.` f

9,*.1In-.an air ship,a frame comprising a keelc'onsisting of van I-beam having transverse slots, through 4theweb. portion, and transversely disposed ribs, Tshape in' cross section, disposed through the slots vin the keel and rigidly secured thereto, the VribsA consisting' of continuous single piece members, with all of the ribs forming a portion 'of Vthe hull vwhile certain of the ribs form deck supporting members and-others form ceiling or covering supporting members, 'all -oflthe ribs extending continuously aboutthe ship. i 1

l-O; A-n air'V ship, comprising a main or hull portion provided withA adeck, the side walls of thehull portion extending above` the deck about the ship, a ceiling above the deck y'and' beneath the-top of the ship so as to provide a compartment'between the ceiling and the top of the'ship, gas holding receptacles mounted in said compartment in spaced relationv with each other and with the ltop of the ship vto provide'ran air chain? ber, 'and' .means ork controlling admission of Vair to said chamber. 'jlLIn an air ship, a frame comprising a keel having transverse slots therethrqugh, aY truss disposed above'and lengthwise of the keel and secured thereto, bowed side ribs secured at their ends tothe vends of the-keel, and ribs. disposed transversely through the keel slots and secured thereto andto the side i ribs.

.12. In an lair ship, a `frame'k comprising akeel consisting of an Iebeam having transverse slots through the web thereof, bowed side -ribsor rails secured at their ends to the ends of. the keel, a vertically disposed truss above the keel, extending lengthwise `thereof and secured to the keehhoriz'ontally disposed trusses or bowed bracerneinbers on each side ofthe niediganflinefof the ship with the ends y ship.

secured to the side rails while th-e interme-` diate bowed portions are secured to the vertically disposed truss, and transversely disposed ribs extending through the keel slots and secured thereto.

.13. In an air ship, a metallic frame comprising a keel having transverse slots therethrough, a vertically disposed truss above and extending lengthwise of the keel and securedy thereto, bowed side rails secured at their ends to the ends of the keel, and ribs disposed transversely through the keel slots consisting of continuous members throughout, certain ot saidribs constituting deck supports, a second portion constitutingceiling supports, a third Vportion constituting gas receptacle holders, 'a fourth portion constituting top or roof supports, whileV a fifth portion is disposed across the top vor' roof.

14. In anair ship, a metallic trame comprising a keel consisting of an I-beam having transverse slots therethrough, andribs consistingv of T-bars through said keel slots with the heads of the T-bars secured to the'tlanges of the I-beam, all of said ribs extending continuously about the ship but into different horizontal planes to constitute, respectively, deck, ceiling and roof or top supports.

15. An air ship, comprising a hull portion provided with a deck, a ceiling portion above the deck, a top or covering arranged above in spaced relation with the ceiling to providea gas receptacle holding compartment, side walls extending about the ship from hull to top, and an airvpassage lengthwise ofthe deck open. at front and rear of the 16. An air ship comprising a hull portion provided with a deck, a ceiling'V portion above the deck provided with an upward bulge at a point' between the Vfront and rear ends,'a'

top covering above the ceiling in spaced relation therewith to provide a gas receptacle vholding compartment, side walls extending 'about the ship from hull to top exceptat the trent and rear so as to provide an anpassage lengthwise ot the deck, and regulable means for admitting air into the compart-V ment above the ceiling. y f

17. An air ship, comprising a hull portion provided with a deck, a ceiling` portion above the deck provided with an upward bulgev at a point between the 'front and rear ends and extending transversely of the ceiling, a top covering` above the ceiling in spaced relationV to providec a compartment extending throughout' the length and width of the ship,

gas holding chambers arranged inspaced relation in said compartment, regulable means in the ceiling for admitting air into said compartment, and side walls formedA so as to provide an open ended air passage extending lengthwise vof the deck.

18. 'An air ship, comprising a hullportion Y disposed transversely provided with a deck, a ceiling portion above the deck provided with an'upward bulge intermediate of the front and rear'andldis-k posed transversely of the ship, downwardly sloping planes ixedly secured intermediate of the deck and the ceiling and beneath said bulge, a top covering above the ceiling in spaced relation to provide aV compartment extending through the length and width ot' the ship, the ceiling and top covering extending beyond the side walls of the ship. so as to have said compartment over-hang the .normal sides oit the ship, and regulable means in the overhanging. portion ot' the ceiling for admitting air int-o said compartment. f Q f 19. An air ship, comprising a hull portion provided with a deck, al ceiling above the deck, a top covering above the ceiling in spaced relation to provide a chamber therebetween extending through the length and width ot the ship, anA open ended air passage extending lengthwise ot' theship'beneath the ceiling,t the ceiling and top covering overhanging the main sides of the ship, regulable means arranged in the overhanging portion' of the ceiling for admitting air to said chamber and means 1n the top covering tor slowly discharging theiair from said chamber.

20. An air ship, comprising a hull portion provided with a deck, a ceiling above the deck, a top covering in spaced relation above the ceiling to provide a closed chamber having vent openings'in the top, the front and rear ends `of the ship being open to provide an open ended air passage above the deck,

regulable means in the ceiling for admitting airto said chamber, ,a rudder arranged in alignment with the rear end of said air passage, vertically spaced planes larranged in pairs on each side o'l" the rudder, wings .secured to each side ot .the ship, andpropellers ilforward and aft. y Y a 2l. An air ship, comprising a hull Yportion provided with a. deck, a ceiling abovejthe deck, a top covering in spaced relation above the ceiling to provide a closedl chamber, regulable means for admitting air to said chamber, gas holders lixedly secured in said chamber so as to leave air passages there` between and beneath said top covering, a pilot-house arranged at the bowA of thership while they walls ofthe ship betweenV the deck and the ceiling and onl oppositesides ot the pilot khouse are open, passenger compartments at the rear end ot the ship on opposite sides of the median line so as to 'provide apassage lengthwiseof the ship open-at the stern end and connecting with the openings on both sides ot the pilot-house,and propels lers at the iront and rear ends of the ship.

22. An air ship, comprising engine and cargo holding hull portion provided with a deck, a pilothouseV on said deck atthe bowv end, passenger compartments at the rear end of the deck on opposite sides of the median line, an open ended air passage lengthwisek sides thereof, regulable means for admitting air into the bottom of said last mentioned compartment, wings hingedly secured to the vsides of the ship, means for holding the wings in operative position, and propellers arranged at the fore and rear ends of thev ship.

23. An air ship, cargo holding portion provided with a deck, means for holding the cargo in ixed position relative to the median line and fore and aft parts of the ship, a' pilothouse on the deck at the bow end, passenger compartments at the rear end of the deck on opposite sides of the median line to provide an air passage lengthwise of the ship open on opposite sides'ofqthe pilot-house and open at the stern end of the ship, a gas receptacle holding compartment above the deck extending full length of the ship and overhanging the sides thereof, regulable means for ad# mitting air into the bottom of said compartment, means operable from the pilothouse for controlling said regulable means, a rudder in alignment with the rear end of said air passage, and. planes or wings arranged on opposite sides of the rudder, along the sidesand' at the forward end of the ship.

' 24. An air ship, comprising a. hullportion provided with lading holding` compartments communicating with each other and accessible from abovea deck portion open at front and rear to provide an air passageway lengthwise of the ship, wings mounted one above the other and disposed transversely of the deck, at least one of said wings being tiltable to cifferent inclinations, a chamber above the deck extending throughout the length and width of the ship,

in spaced relation, and controllable air admitting openings in the bottom of, saidV chamber. Y l

25. An air ship, comprising a frainepstructure whereby hull, deck and parachute portions are provided7 an outer covering disposed entirely about the frame work to enclose all of said portions, said covering being formed to providelarge air admitting openings at front and rear of the ship, means whereby said openings may be closed, con-1 col'ijiprising engine andv gas holding receptacles secured within said chamber having a ceiling or covering provided with a transversely disposed vacuum pocket at a predetermined distance from the front of the ship, and wings arranged one above the other, transversely of the deck and beneath said vacuum pocket, one of said wings being tiltable downwardly toward its rearv edge to different inclinations, and means for controlling and holding said wing in its adjusted positions. i

27. Anair ship, comprising a framework composed of a reenforced keel and ribs disposed transversely of and secured to thev keel, said ribs being continuous about thel ship with Vtheir ,ends secured together andV arranged to rprovide a hull portion, a deck portion, a parachute portion above the deck portion, an outer covering about the entire outer framework with closable port-holes in the hull portion and openings at-front and rear substantially co-eXtensive with the width of the deck to provide an air passage lengthwise of the ship, a pilot-house on the deck at the `bow ofthe ship and cabins on the deck toward ther sterny of the ship and on each side of the air passage,-controllable i air admitting openings in the'bottom of the parachute portion, wings on bot-h sides, at the front and at the rear of the ship, the wings at the rear being arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the medianline .of the ship, a rudder intermediate of said pairs of wings, and propellers, the air admitting openings of the parachute portion, the wings and the propellers all being controllable from the pilot house.

28. An air ship compri-sing a hull portion provided with a deck, a ceiling `above thel deck, a gas tank'holding chamber above the ceiling, an outer covering above the hull portion and above the ceiling to form a roof for said gas tank holding chamber, the ship at front and irear being open between the deck and the ceiling to provide an air passage lengthwise ofthe ship beneath said ceiling, propellers for driving the ship, and controllable wings secured to therfront and rear of the ship.

29. In an air ship, a lclosed hull portion provided with a-deek, an outer'covering ar-y rangedabovethe deck to provide a closure for theY sides,the ship above the deck being open at bow and stern to provide an air stern, atleast one of said wings being tilt,-

able to different inclinations, and means whereby the tiltable wingmay be held in position.

LAWRENCE WV. MAMMEN. 

